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Getting an Education

Walt attended Longfellow Elementary and later Westport High School. He did well in school, particularly when there were pretty teachers to impress. Eventually he was asked to give the graduation address at Longfellow Elementary.

(Click image to enlarge)

But throughout his formal education (and occasionally after) certain subjects always gave Walt trouble. One was shop class; the other was gym class.

Listen: Rope climbing in gym class
From Up to Date 12-4-2003

A stint in drama class helped Walt realize his attraction to the lively arts, even if the lesson was somewhat embarrassing.

Unlike gym or shop, I was the one that went dashing enthusiastically to the back stage of the theater where we assembled. So eager was I that one day I unwisely sped past the boys’ restroom when I should have gone in. Once backstage, they kept us busy reading lines. I waited and at a moment in which everyone was on the stage except me, I could hold it no longer. I created a puddle on the floor that was obvious to my returning schoolmates.
(My Times, My Town)

Undeterred by this brief technical difficulty, Walt would go on to find other outlets for performance.

Walt’s formal education was rounded out by frequent trips to the Isis Theater at 31st & Troost and by the street life surrounding his father’s drug store at the corner of Linwood & Troost.

Next: Growing up at Linwood & Troost